If 2002 has a villain origin story or a moment of infamy, it is the A1-Ring in Austria.
Miraculously, both Ferraris fought back through the field. By the end, they were running 1-2. The final storyline of 2002 was the stat line: Ferrari finished the year with 221 points. Second-place Williams had 92. Schumacher finished on the podium in every single race he finished that year.
Behind the Ferraris, the competition was fierce between BMW Williams and McLaren-Mercedes. 2002 formula one season
“It wasn’t racing. It was a royal procession. But what a procession.” – Murray Walker
Michael Schumacher's performance in 2002 remains a benchmark for excellence. He secured his fifth world title—equaling Juan Manuel Fangio's long-standing record—with six races still remaining in the season, the earliest a championship has ever been decided. Key statistics from Schumacher's 2002 campaign: If 2002 has a villain origin story or
The 2002 Formula One season stands as one of the most statistically dominant campaigns in the history of the sport, characterized by the near-total supremacy of Michael Schumacher and Scuderia Ferrari . While it showcased a team operating at the absolute peak of its powers, the lack of competition and several controversies eventually prompted the FIA to overhaul the sport's regulations for the following year.
For 71 laps, Rubens Barrichello had driven the race of his life, leading comfortably. But Ferrari, desperate to secure Schumacher’s championship mathematically as early as possible, ordered a swap on the final straight. Barrichello slowed. Schumacher passed. The crowd erupted in boos. On the podium, Schumacher pushed Barrichello onto the top step and later called the move a “disgrace.” The final storyline of 2002 was the stat
secured his fifth World Championship at the French Grand Prix—the 11th round of 17—marking the earliest title clinching in history at that time.